The Charter Review Committee discussed how Littleton runs municipal elections and whether the City’s election commission still has a practical role now that the city coordinates many elections with county clerks.

Colleen told members that "Title 31 is the municipal election code of 1965," which historically governed standalone municipal elections; when Littleton coordinates elections with the counties it operates under Title 1, the statewide uniform election code. She explained that coordinated elections are typically cheaper and produce higher turnout because ballots are consolidated with county, state and federal contests.

A committee member urged eliminating the five-member election commission, saying it had met only once in the past two years and had few duties once elections are coordinated with counties. Staff answered that some statutory functions historically tied to the commission, such as redistricting oversight and appointment of election judges for standalone municipal elections, can be handled in other ways now that the city coordinates with counties.

Members also discussed how mail ballots and drop boxes are treated in coordinated elections: staff said Title 1 governs coordinated elections and many counties operate by mail ballot for municipal questions; the committee reviewed state statutes and county practices and noted that statutes and practice have changed since the charter language was drafted.

No formal vote was taken. Staff said they will research which election-commission duties are required by statute and where the charter can be updated to reflect current election practice.